Bridge Restoration and Repairs

Restoration of Lisconny Bridge (L 1302).

Lisconny Bridge is a fine five span masonry arch structure spanning the Unshin River near Cloonamahon. The structure, which is thought to be over 200 years old, was suffering from foundation movement, resulting in serious structural cracking in four of the five arches plus a number of other defects. The structure was also the home of Daubenton Bats and Dippers. Care was taken in carrying out the work and consultation with various Duchas, NW Fisheries and a Consultant Naturalist assured that best practice was adhered to.

The works involved both specialist contractors and the Council’s own outdoor staff in a joint restoration programme, which included: foundation stabilisation using grout injection and mini-piling, river bed protection, sprandrel stabilisation, pressure pointing and pavement re-profiling. Additionally the external walls and parapets of the structure were pointed using traditional materials by council staff who have benefitted from specialist masonry workshops.

- Lisconny Bridge

Restoration of Templehouse Bridge (L 1601).

Templehouse Bridge spans the Owenmore River and was originally built in 1812. It is a five span elliptical arch masonry structure with substantial wing walls supporting the road approaching the river bridge on both sides. The structure is listed in the County Development Plan as a protected structure. The western wing walls were leaning and bulging outwards and a large portion of the southwest wall collapsed at the beginning of the year.

Under a Special Improvement Grant, Sligo County Council rehabilitated that part of the structure using expertise available within the Council’s own indoor and outdoor staff.

The works involved:

• Taking down the external ashlar limestone walling and storing for re-erection,
• Demolition of the old retaining walls and footings with associated road closure
• Design and construction of new retaining walls and raft foundation.
• Embankment infill and road pavement
• Re-establishment of road and traffic flow
• Reconstruction of masonry walling to restore bridge structure to original appearance with strengthened parapets.

This work is being ably carried out by Ballymote Area Staff including; John Clerkin, General Service Supervisor; Tommy Nellany, Craftsman; and Michael Coen, General Operative.

The reconstruction of the ashlar masonry walling is specialist work and Tommy Nellaney is one of our most experienced staff members with the expertise to complete the project to a high standard.

Project Engineer, Gary Salter, S.E.E. says that “The Council has been involved in two masonry seminars and our staff are improving their knowledge and techniques at restoration works on heritage structures all the time. Such work is ideally suite for council work where flexibility and adverse weather are often significant factors”

Riverstown Bridge ( L 1303).

This three span masonry structure was also repaired and strengthened on 2003.

The work involved: foundation stabilisation, structural injection grouting, pointing sprandrel ties and pattress plates and river training.

Donaghintrain Bridge (L2302-56).

Repairs works carried out on this bridge include: Underpinning to abutments, pointing of abutments, vegetation clearance, repairs to buttresses and drainage improvement.